Karmaloop Massive Sale

Jeffrey Campbell bootie

Last minute Christmas shoppers or people who are getting $$ for Christmas and need some new threads: the website Karmaloop.com has 50% off your entire order for the next 7 hours (and it's 12:30 right now ;-). They have great brands pretty much for the hip only: Cheap Monday, Blank jeans, Nixon watches, Seychelles, Jeffrey Campbell...but some really great bags and shoes too if you're not skater-y and just need something conservative. Here are a couple great things for guys and gals. Merry Christmas!!

Nixon men's watch

Nashville Clothing Company Christmas Sale

This Saturday, December 20th, everything at both locations of NCC is 15-70% off! There will be live music and warm beverages, and lots of nice people. The owner, Tiffany Lewis, is one of my favorites. They have great guys' stuff too, ladies--brands like Triple 5 Soul, Vans, Converse, Ben Sherman, and lots more. And it's stuff you can afford, I promise. You're not gonna break the bank. Tell Tiff I sent ya!

Gifts I love for under $40!

'Tis the season of giving and for most people 'tis the season to be savin' some money, 'cuz times they's a gettin' harder for everybody. So, here is a mini-list of gifts I love for under $40!

Feather headband at Urban Outfitters for $24
Free shipping over $75 through today with code "HolidayHappy"

Cheers Wine Glasses at cb2.com for $21.95
Free Shipping on orders over $100

Cool ice bucket for $34

Cashmere cardigan at Old Navy for $35
Free shipping on all orders through Dec. 16th

Bird botanical print(s) on Three Potato Four for $30

Awesome, go-with-everything cocktail ring for $35 at Kennethcole.com

Dip-dye, plaid scarf from Gap for $29.50
Free shipping on every order until Dec. 16th

And as always, there are plenty of alternative gifts to give, which I highly recommend. This site has a video that gets me every single time. I've been to Africa, folks, and consumerism, it's not a problem there. So, do give some thought to getting that father-in-law who already has everything some clean water for someone in Africa or buy a coat for the homeless; he'll appreciate that more than something else to toss in the closet. Just a thought.

Honorable Mention:

• Tocca Stella solid perfume at Anthropologie for $30
• Imbibe magazine for $20/yearly subscription
• One-month subscription to Shoedazzle.com for $39
• Read my friend's post on one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts for CHEAP!
• Unisex-smelling Archipelago Black Forest candle for $29
  
• The Dark Knight on Blu-ray for $23.99...RIP Heath Ledger.
• Cool, unique t-shirts for guys and gals at Threadless.com for $5-$15!

Some Accolades

I was pretty happy with how Julianne's little CMA get-up turned out. Of course, I'm a serious perfectionist, so there are a couple things I would change, but all in all, I can't complain. And neither could most of the major magazines. I thought I'd post some of the good press we got--all in the Dec. 1st issues of these mags. There was some bad too; I read one blog that said something to the effect of, "It must have taken 40,000 pieces of bubble gum to make that dress." Hmmmm...I like gum, I don't know about you. Anyway, here are some jpegs. Pretty fun stuff. Have a great weekend!

National Enquirer

People

Star Magazine

US Weekly

Sad Day for 12South

I got the word today from my good friend Lauren, that she is officially closing The Grove boutique on 12th Ave. South. I really think she was offering some things to the area that other boutiques weren't, but in the end, the economy and waiting for her location to really take off (12South is still developing after all), were just a little too much to handle.

She's decided to close for a little while and perhaps re-open in another year or so in a location more amenable to the preppy, classic style she loves. Bye, bye, Grove! Please stop by and see Lauren or her mom and take advantage of some of her great close-out prices. She's hoping to have everything out by Christmas.

Friday Shopping Notes

• It's "Christmas in the Village" tomorrow night in Hillsboro Village! Fun times abound with merchant discounts and holiday fun. 6-9pm. Browse the street, buy some gifts.
• I just saw the commercial during the Today Show, and I can't find the exact hours of the sale...but the Belk one-day sale is going on where they are marking down red-dot items to an EXTRA 50% off! These are the sales you can't miss where you're basically stealing from them b/c stuff is so cheap--Free People, Theory, Betsey Johnson, Lucky, etc. It would be a great place to get your holiday dress! I think it's tonight from late afternoon to close and tomorrow morning from 8-noon. I think.
  

Cosmetic Market Holiday Promotion

In times like these, we've gotta support our local businesses, and Cosmetic Market is one of Nashville's own. Between now and December 31st, use the code "HOLIDAY08" for your purchases and get an extra 20% off. That'll at least cover the tax and the gas you would have spent driving down there. If you're like me, and you love getting and giving candles as gifts, these Fringe candles are some of my favorites because the jars are so gorgeous and they come in so many different designs.

Sassy, Affordable Party Dresses for under $100-ish

My first holiday party is this weekend, and I'm already adding up the amount of money I may or may not spend on dresses, accessories, and shoes. I mean, how many times of the year does one get a chance to wear that many sequins? If you have a regular day job, that is.

So in honor of Moonlight and Mistletoe, which is kicking off my holiday circuit, here are some cute numbers that won't hurt the wallet. Heck, double up and wear it to that other party with all your parents' friends that you're obligated to attend and do what I do: divide the cost in half as if you were buying one half for the first part and the other half for the second. It's a down-right STEAL if you do that :-). By no means is this an exhaustive list; it's just to get you inspired! There are some REALLY CUTE under-$100-ish dresses on Urbanoutfitters.com, Overstock.com, and always check those dept. store websites!

Maybe you're in the mood for a long dress? Max and Cleo for $62.99

Or super-short and 80's prom-like? Max and Cleo for $74.39.

Some hot one-shoulder action perhaps? Miss Me for $110.

A little hippie ethereal? Free People for $108.

Oh yeah! Sequins!! Old Navy for $49.50

Honorable mention:

• London Times Bubble Dress ($90) at Dillards.com
• Xhilaration Tiered Dress ($29.99) at Target.com
• Adrainna Papell Cap Sleeve in black or cream ($67.19) at Belk.com...this one would be a lovely choice for my mature readers ;-)
• Walter Ruffle Dress ($112.49) on Overstock.com...so fun, I just couldn't resist!
• Another short Max and Cleo Dress ($19.98) on Belk.com...yes, it takes a "certain body" to wear this dress. And that's a skinny one.
  

Happy December Sale Notes

We've gotta go with the bullet-pointed list on this one. There are just too many notes today!

• Today only! 20% off on Piperlime.com. What I love about sites like Piperlime and Zappos is that it's essentially no risk. Free shipping and returns! I love the shoe pictured above--LOVE. I put the pic of the teal up, but this shoe also comes in a taupe neutral. Every girl should have a neutral pump in her closet. They're really invaluable to have when you have no idea which shoe to wear because they essentially go with everything! Check out how chic Heidi Klum looks pairing a taupe pump with her black dress. The black that Claudia is wearing looks great too, but so does the taupe! Enter the code MONDAY at checkout.
  
• Anthropologie just put a ton of their boots on sale for 1/2 off! In stores and on-line. Check it out. This pair is LOVELY. And girls, treat them like a brown pair of boots and wear them in exactly the same way and you'll look stylish and not as predictable...if that's what you want. If not, just get one of these other pairs in a basic color. They're a steal!
• Now THIS is a great deal. If you're in Nashville and planning on buying a gift card for someone, then go to this website and search for a vendor now selling them at 10% off. The best deal on here is from the Mall at Green Hills. I buy at least one gift card every Christmas from there for my mother-in-law, a girlfriend, or a gift exchange. Every day this week while supplies last, the percent off increases by 10%. Wait at your own risk!

Net-a-Porter Sale

Net-a-Porter.com is a great website that carries tons of designer labels like 3.1 Phillip Lim, Marc Jacobs, Sass & Bide, and more. They do a big sale several times a year, and now's the time. Lots of stuff around 50% off! Here's one I love: this circle dress from 12th St. by Cynthia Vincent. This is super easy. In my head you're wearing a waisted black belt, grey cable-knit tights, and black boots. And you're looking smoking hot, I might add.

There's also another massive sale going on from midnight (on-line) on Thanksgiving night through noon at Saks Off 5th. Just for your shopping edification...

Black Friday Websites

I just downloaded the new Killers album for $3.99! Found this great deal while I was on the web today doing a little Black Friday research. The husband and I are finally gonna join the flat-screen TV kool kids (I'm gonna borrow a joke from my friend Dave Barnes and say that this is what I'll also name my first band.) We find ourselves at home watching a lot of football and movies these days so it seems like besides the fact that we're getting old, that we should invest in a good TV. I have found some websites that compare Black Friday deals on all kinds of different items, including when they will be available on-line. Again, happy shopping!!

• http://bfads.net
• http://www.blackfriday.info/
• http://blackfriday.gottadeal.com/
• http://www.slickdeals.net/
  

Thanksgiving Shopping Notes

"Holiday Soiree" wrapping paper from Whimsy Press

This week is the Holy Grail for us hard-core shoppers. Black Friday is looming large. I must admit I don't venture out too much on that day. Truth be told, I love sleep too much to get up that dang early. And if you're a smart shopper, there aren't any deals that day that you can't usually get at other times of the year if you're just savvy. More power to you if you're dragging out to Wal-Mart to buy a TV or something. Good luck! Maybe take a whistle or drop bread crumbs so you can be found amid the madness...Here are a few notes for this week on some fun shopping you can do before Thanksgiving or from home!!

Thanksgiving Sale at Two Elle! In addition to other marked-down items, there is a fabulous selection of $50 denim by Paper Denim & Cloth, Cimarron, and others as well as a couple bins of $20 tanks and tees. The bins are great for those cute Christmas presents for your sisters, wives, & Santa exchanges because everyone wears t-shirts!


There's a website that I just love called Whimsy Press. It sells awesome cards, wrapping paper and other whimsical paper items. The wrapping paper is really to die for. Every time I wrap a gift in paper from this site, I get tons of compliments, and I really feel that the gift receiver appreciates the care you put into thinking about the wrapping. Here's a bonus note about most gals I know (guy readers!)...even if we don't send too many cards and handwritten notes, we all aspire to and maybe this is just the motivation we need to do it. A big on-line SALE! November 28th is "Pink Friday" at Whimsy Press where you can get 30% off all Whimsy products by entering "PINK" as the coupon code. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Harold's Closing

A little birdie told me the other day that Harold's had applied for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. It's true. Everything in their stores nationwide is 30-40% off right now and sure to go even higher in the coming weeks. Well, thanks Economy, another one bites the dust.

It's probably not a huge shocker that I'm not a big Harold's shopper, but my friend, the little birdie that works there, told me that she might even buy her holiday skirt there--that there are a few really cute things. And if not for yourself, why not for your mom or your mother-in-law for Christmas. You can probably get some really nice basics for 40% off and shock them with what a quality gift-giver you are. :-)

Gifts I love for under $40!

'Tis the season of giving and for most people 'tis the season to be savin' some money, 'cuz times they's a gettin' harder for everybody. So, here is a mini-list of gifts I love for under $40!

Feather headband at Urban Outfitters for $24
Free shipping over $75 through today with code "HolidayHappy"

Cheers Wine Glasses at cb2.com for $21.95
Free Shipping on orders over $100

Cool ice bucket for $34

Cashmere cardigan at Old Navy for $35
Free shipping on all orders through Dec. !6th

Bird botanical print(s) on Three Potato Four for $30

Awesome, go-with-everything cocktail ring for $35 at Kennethcole.com



Dip-dye, plaid scarf from Gap for $29.50
Free shipping on every order until Dec. 16th

And as always, there are plenty of alternative gifts to give, which I highly recommend. This site has a video that gets me every single time. I've been to Africa, folks, and consumerism, it's not a problem there. So, do give some thought to getting that father-in-law who already has everything some clean water for someone in Africa or buy a coat for the homeless; he'll appreciate that more than something else to toss in the closet. Just a thought.

Honorable Mention:

• Tocca Stella solid perfume at Anthropologie for $30
• Imbibe magazine for $20/yearly subscription
• One-month subscription to Shoedazzle.com for $39
• Read my friend's post on one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts for CHEAP!
• Unisex-smelling Archipelago Black Forest candle for $29
  
• The Dark Knight on Blu-ray for $23.99...RIP Heath Ledger.
• Cool, unique t-shirts for guys and gals at Threadless.com for $5-$15!
  

Sara Watkins Photoshoot

Sara in a tree with a bunch of stuff hung in it.

I did a shoot with my buddy Jeremy Cowart, the incomparable, last week. And gosh, his pics always turn out so much better than you can even imagine. Here are a few behind-the-scenes shots of Sara Watkins, formerly of Nickel Creek. And we heard her new stuff...UH-mazing! Seriously, so organic, yet refined, and her voice is haunting. That's the only word I can think of. It was just amazingly musical and great to listen to.

Some fiddle action shots (dress by Leifsdottir)!

Sara in a tree, which she climbed like a champ in a dress (by Free People), I might add.

Julianne Hosts ABC's Red Carpet

You guys, I was like a proud mother last night sending Julianne out to her first ever CMA Awards red carpet (and mine!!) I could not have been more proud of how she carried the choice we made for her dress. It was an Angel Sanchez gown from his Resort 2009 collection paired with Ralph Lauren earrings, and a Swarovski bracelet and clutch. Her shoes were a designer that I'm just now getting to know, Claudia Ciuti. We're getting some great press, including US Weekly and People.com's Best Dressed! Yay Julianne!!! Angela Cay Hall did an awesome job on her hair and makeup as well--Julianne rocked that messy bun. I'll say sister did pretty well for dancing a mere 12 hours before in L.A. and then hopping on a red-eye to Nashville.

Here are a few snapshots:

Presenting an award with Jake Owen and Jimmy Wayne
(in Farah Angsana gown and Sheila Fajl jewelry)

How convenient that a position at Julianne's management is now occupied by my good friend and former assistant Carrie Morgan!

JH interviewing The Wailers--Bob Marley's band and my buddies from the Kenny video...someone in this shot is underdressed
for the occasion. Oh wait...everyone except Julianne.

The red carpet is a zoo, I tell you.

Sample Sale!

We've all seen the Friends episode where Monica, Rachel, and Phoebe, each armed with whistles, go to a bridal sample sale in NYC to find Monica's wedding dress. There are catfights, long lines, you name it. Rachel ends up in the fetal position under an overflowing rack of tacky white dresses, just blowing her whistle. Well, now you have a special invitation to shop at a sample sale from the comfort of your own home--no whistle needed! And from Nashville!!

One of my favorite collections when I was a buyer, and still now, is MINT by Jodi Arnold. MINT by Jodi Arnold is an art-inspired, ready to wear, women's contemporary fashion brand based in NYC. Sold in over 300 locations worldwide, from Barneys New York to Podium, Moscow, the company is known for its hand embellishments, unique prints, and luxurious fabrics. It's a price point you can usually only reach for a very special occasion, but now you can shop at up to 60% off! Just visit this website: buy.jodiarnoldnyc.com/samplesale.html.

If you happen to be reading this blog from NYC, you can go to 230 W. 39th St., Fl 2 on November 11-14th from 9am to 6pm. Enjoy, you guys!!

ALS on ABC.com!

I made my national television debut today. Okay, so it's not actually on TV, but it's on a national TV station's website's homepage. Close enough. I am being interviewed by my friend Ashley Eicher about the process of choosing a dress for a client for an awards show. The awards show in question being the CMA Awards this Wednesday and the artist being Miss Julianne Hough. Take a look! (If it's not still on the home page when you read this, go to "Countdown to Country Music's Biggest Night" to Day 3.)

Designers for Payless

I have been seeing a lot of ads for the designers who have recently joined forces with Payless to produce some much-cooler-than-the-norm Payless offerings. I don't know how many of you spent lots of time at Payless as a child. Well, I spent plenty. Pretty much all my shoes came from there.

In general now, I wouldn't go to the store because that synthetic leather will basically rub a hole in the side of your foot if you wear any of their shoes for more than five minutes. On top of that, they're usually just pretty shoddy...ahem, ugly.

I stopped in the Cool Springs Mall location last week while I was out working, and I actually found that the collaborations looked pretty good. They're all $38, which is much steeper than your average Payless shoe, but still look like they could be more expensive. Here are the three cute ones they had in stock (upper left: Abaete for Payless, the other two: Lela Rose for Payless.) Also in stores is the Alice + Olivia collection. Not bad, right? I love the little bows on the two on the right. So much so, that here's a close-up. I will not, however, be held responsible if you buy these, and it looks like your foot got caught in a bear trap after you wear them. I only vouch for cuteness.

Cute Stuff at Macy's

There are a couple lines out there in your dept. stores and even in some boutiques that I've found to be pretty well-made (i.e. better than Forever 21 quality), age-appropriate and also fairly affordable. One of them is MM Couture and the other is Matty M. When I'm doing a photoshoot, and I'm on a tight budget, these are a couple of the brands that I always go for because they have interesting details that photograph well, and again, the affordability. Here are a couple pieces I saw yesterday at Macy's in Green Hills that I loved, and I also found them on-line.

I love this coat! It is the best grandma-plaid but with that awesome ruffle collar that makes it young. It's perfect for when it's super-chilly out, but not time to break out the full-length North Face puffer coat. It's $149 by Matty M and comes in several different patterns. If you're going to work, and you're like me in the winter, somehow always ending up in about four shades of black and grey, coats with a pop of color like this one are great to spiff up your palette.
Here's another piece of outerwear that I'm a little obsessed with. I kind of have a problem buying lots of slouchy things; I just love being comfortable. This sweater is perfect for that. Throw it on over just about anything and some tights or fitted jeans and you're in a warm cocoon of fashion. (Little cheesy? I think not.) Just don't go slouchy all over or we're heading into "we need an intervention, are you okay?" territory. This guy is $97 and is by MM Couture.